The finance company and the Spanish Grand Tour extended their partnership for another three years, with Juan Sitges, general director of Cofidis España and La Vuelta director Javier Guillén signing the key documents.

Sitges said: "We are thrilled to continue our relationship with La Vuelta for another three years.

"We feel like we are part of this family and we would like to stay together for a long time."

Guillén added: "For La Vuelta, having the support of companies such as Cofidis is a guarantee of success and a joy. 

"We wish to continue to grow together and to continue to make this race bigger and more attractive."

As well as maintaining a presence as a stage winner prize sponsor, Cofidis will develop activities around La Vuelta, including the Pedalón Solidario initiative, which brings together healthy lifestyle habits, fun and social responsibility.

Cofidis also leads the education and sport project La Vuelta Junior Cofidis which aims to promote road safety education and the use of bikes and healthy lifestyle choices among Spanish students.

The programme has trained 225,000 children during the last nine years and has been backed by the Young Sports Foundation, La Vuelta, the Directorate General of Traffic, the Professional Cyclist Association and the Alberto Contador Foundation.

Movistar rider Nairo Quintana of Colombia leads the 2019 Vuelta a España as riders enjoy a rest day in Spain.

The race resumes tomorrow with a 36.2km time trial from Jurançon to Pau.